Beth Sternitzky and her dog, Alfie, a L÷wchen breed. Alfie is competing in an agility trial at the Westminster dog show in New York this weekend.

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Beth Sternitzky was in New York City with one of the Nekoosa Public School District's mascots.

No, it's not the blue Papermaker. It's Alfie, Sternitzky's L÷wchen, and the mascot at the district office. Given the breed's typical temperament - alert, intelligent and affectionate with a lively, outgoing and inquisitive personality, according to the American Kennel Club - it's no surprise that Alfie spends his days next to Sternitzky as she works in accounts payable for the district.

"I've always been a dog person," Sternitzky, 56, said. She got hooked after working with dogs on obedience ...